Dr Daniel Mwendah M’Mailutha, the CEO of the Kenya National Farmers’ Federation (KENAFF). He speaks to Sammy Waweru of Seeds of Gold .
As a key stakeholder in Kenya’s agricultural sector, how would you describe the current state of farming in the country?
It is fairly good, largely supported by favourable weather conditions. Farmers have benefited from consistent rains, which have contributed to a strong harvest in the previous season and improved overall production outlook.
However, a key concern remains the availability of fertiliser. At the moment, supply has not been sufficient or timely for all farmers. The government is actively working to address this gap, with recent consignments already arriving and more expected at the port. While global political and economic disruptions, particularly in regions affecting fertiliser trade routes, have contributed to delays, there is optimism that improved supply will stabilise the situation.
The most immediate challenge for farmers is the inconsistent and delayed availability of fertiliser. Even when supplies are available, distribution remains a problem, especially because the current system relies heavily on central depots such as National Cereals and Produce Board (NCPB) stores. Many farmers are located far from these points, making access costly and inconvenient.
Global geopolitical tensions affecting fertiliser supply chains have also worsened the situation. Although the government is making efforts to improve availability, the structure of distribution still needs reform to ensure inputs reach farmers efficiently and at the right time for planting seasons.
Dr Daniel Mwendah M’Mailutha, the CEO of the Kenya National Farmers’ Federation (KENAFF), during a media briefing at the Farmers Conference Centre in Nairobi on April 28, 2026.
Photo credit: Evans Habil | Nation
Kenyan farmers are increasingly facing climate shocks, including droughts, floods and pest invasions such as locusts, especially in the post-Covid period.
In response, KENAFF is promoting what we call farmer-driven climate action. This approach encourages farmers to take practical steps to build resilience at the local level. These include biodiversity conservation, improving soil health, reclaiming degraded land, afforestation and tree planting.
The focus is on empowering farmers to understand that they have a direct role in mitigating climate change impacts while strengthening the sustainability of their own production systems.
This requires stronger organisation and better linkages between farmers and markets. Through platforms such as Soko ya Mkulima, driven by KENAFF, farmers are being connected not only to agro-dealers but also to financial institutions and buyers. This improves transparency and access to services. Additionally, strengthening cooperatives is critical.
When farmers organise and sell collectively, they have greater bargaining power and can demand better prices and quality standards. This collective approach also reduces exploitation and ensures farmers are more actively involved in defining market conditions rather than operating individually.
Young people are driving innovation and technology. How can agriculture be made more attractive to them?
Young people are drawn to agriculture when they see quick returns and opportunities for innovation. As a result, they are increasingly engaging in horticulture, poultry, pig farming and service-based roles within agricultural value chains. They are also highly active in ICT and technology-driven solutions that support farming systems.
However, long-term crops such as coffee and tea are less attractive due to delayed returns. Making agriculture appealing to youth therefore requires integrating technology, promoting high-value enterprises, and highlighting opportunities that generate faster and more predictable income.
Dr Daniel Mwendah M'Mailutha, the CEO of the Kenya National Farmers' Federation (KENAFF), with Mr Nduati Kariuki, the chairman of the Local Organizing Committee of KENAFF, during a media briefing at the Farmers Conference Centre in Nairobi on April 28, 2026.
Photo credit: Evans Habil | Nation
In KENAFF’s plans, what opportunities exist for young people, and how are you tapping into their tech skills?
We are actively creating opportunities for young people through digital platforms such as Soko ya Mkulima. The platform is designed to connect farmers with agro-dealers, financial institutions and service providers while also ensuring accountability through a vetting system. This creates space for young people with ICT and innovation skills to participate in agriculture beyond production.
They are increasingly involved in developing, managing and improving digital solutions that support agricultural value chains. By integrating technology into agriculture, KENAFF is opening pathways for youth to engage in modern, knowledge-driven farming systems.
Fake farm inputs remain a major threat. How can farmers be better protected from counterfeit products?
Counterfeit farm inputs, including fake seeds, pesticides and fertilisers, remain a serious threat to productivity. To address this, digital verification systems such as Soko ya Mkulima are being used to vet agro-dealers before they are allowed on the platform.
This ensures that farmers access trusted suppliers. In addition, input companies are also strengthening their own protection mechanisms. However, farmer organisation is equally important. When farmers buy collectively through cooperatives, they can demand quality assurance and reduce the risk of being exploited. Collective purchasing also increases accountability among suppliers.
How significant is the upcoming World Farmers’ Organisation General Assembly for Kenya’s food security and agricultural growth?
The conference will bring together about 1,000 delegates from around the world for four days, positioning Kenya as a key player in global agriculture.
Many participants will be visiting the country for the first time, creating opportunities to showcase Kenya’s agricultural strengths, including coffee, macadamia, flowers and avocados.
The event also enhances tourism, with delegates expressing interest in visiting destinations such as the Maasai Mara, Lake Nakuru and even Kogelo.
Apart from visibility, the conference strengthens Kenya’s role in global food systems discussions and opens opportunities for investment and partnerships in agriculture.
